The Logan County Chamber of Commerce celebrated the businesses, organizations, and individuals making a difference throughout the community on Wednesday night during its annual Stars in Business Night of Recognition.
The event took place at the historic Holland Theatre in downtown Bellefontaine, bringing community members together to recognize those making a positive impact through their leadership, hard work, and commitment to Logan County.
Each award recognizes a different way businesses, organizations, and individuals contribute to the strength and success of Logan County.
This year’s award recipients included:
The Max Evans Tourism Award, presented to JD Harshfield, recognizes an individual or organization committed to promoting the unique character and attractions that make the community special. Previous recipients include Rebekah Smith in 2025, Small Nation in 2024, Jim Reed in 2023, Kris Swisher in 2022, Todd McCormick in 2021, Matt Wiley in 2020, Margaret Piatt in 2019, Chris Westhoff in 2018, Pam Miller in 2017, Tim Grissom in 2016, Sandy Musser in 2015, Bill and Phyllis Wiley in 2014, and Frank Giannola in 2013.
The Nonprofit Organization of the Year Award went to the Logan County Education Foundation. The award recognizes organizations whose passion, innovation, and community impact make a meaningful difference and strengthen the fabric of the community. Previous recipients include Raising Arrows in 2025, Universal Home Health and Hospice Care in 2024, Bellefontaine Grace Church in 2023, Downtown Bellefontaine Partnership in 2022, Community Health and Wellness Partners in 2021, Logan County Farmers Market in 2020, RTC Industries in 2019, Shine FM in 2018, The Holland Theatre in 2017, Logan County Cancer Society in 2016, Discovery Riders in 2015, Our Daily Bread in 2014, and United Way of Logan County in 2013.
Keyne Strickland, Leasing and Property Manager with Small Nation, received the Young Professional of the Year Award. The honor recognizes an individual who demonstrates leadership, initiative, and community involvement while building a career in Logan County. Previous recipients include Nick Davis in 2025, Kyle Brunner in 2024, Bethany Watts in 2023, Shannon Reese in 2022, Jessica Simmons in 2021, Jacob Schroeder in 2020, Colton Lowry in 2019, Justin Dinovo in 2018, and Brittany Saxton in 2017.
Native Coffee Co. was named Small Business of the Year. The award recognizes an independently owned business that has established itself as a financially strong enterprise while remaining committed to community involvement. Previous recipients include West Ohio Tool Company in 2025, PCPI Plastics in 2024, Sunlight Windows and Exteriors in 2023, Elle A. Design in 2022, Thompson, Dunlap and Heydinger in 2021, City Sweets and Creamery in 2020, Majestic Plastics in 2019, Easton Water Solutions in 2018, and Brewfontaine in 2017.
Misti Smith, owner of Honestly Clean, received the Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The recognition highlights individuals whose innovation and ability to provide products, services, and employment opportunities contribute to the growth of the community. Previous recipients include Humberto Nieto and Laura Haverkos in 2025, Rodney and Andrea Wrocklage in 2024, Jeremy Hankins in 2023, Jeremy and Erin LeVan in 2022, Randy Marker in 2021, Steve Buchenroth in 2020, Ron and Kathy Troyer in 2019, Brian and Mandy Osterfeld in 2018, Dr. Ryan Kauffman in 2017, Betty Kananen in 2016, Bill Fraim in 2015, Mick Reed in 2014, Mike Minnich in 2013, and Jason Duff in 2012.
The Integrity in Business Award was presented to Logan County Electric Cooperative for its commitment to honesty, fairness, and accountability with employees and customers, setting a positive example in the business community. Previous recipients include Darin Olson of Edward Jones Investments in 2025, Smith, Smith, Montgomery and Chamberlain in 2024, Link Construction Group in 2023, Beasley Architecture and Design in 2022, Erwin Insurance in 2021, Dairy Queen in 2020, Hill and Hamilton Insurance in 2019, Solomon’s Garage in 2018, Green Hills Community in 2017, Liberty National Bank in 2016, Acrux in 2015, Steve Austin’s Auto Group in 2014, Mary Rutan Hospital in 2013, Robinson Investments in 2012, Wren’s Florist in 2011, Fissel Floor Covering in 2010, Alan Galvez Insurance in 2009, Whitmore House in 2008, Family Pharmacy in 2007, AGC Automotive in 2006, House of Szechwan in 2005, Marmon Valley Farm in 2004, T-P Bowling Lanes in 2003, Citizens Federal Savings and Loan in 2002, C.E. Duff and Son in 2001, Huber-Buchenroth in 2000, Marie’s Candies in 1999, Thomas and Marker Construction in 1998, Belletech Corporation in 1997, Honda of America in 1996, and AcuSport Corporation in 1995.
One of the evening’s special moments was the posthumous recognition of Kristopher Myers, who was selected to receive the Richard J. Rupp Leadership Award. The award honors individuals who have made a significant impact on Logan County through outstanding leadership, vision, dedication, and commitment to the community. Previous recipients include Joan Haushalter in 2025, C. Douglas Chamberlain in 2024, Tammy Gump in 2023, Harold Marker in 2022, Rick Hatcher in 2021, Doug Zimmerman in 2020, Alan Hale in 2019, Tod Johnson in 2018, Tammy Nicholl in 2017, Jerry Robinson in 2016, Ed Wallace in 2015, Dick Abraham in 2014, Jim Reed in 2013, K. Edward “Wags” Wagner in 2012, John Belser in 2011, Tim O’Reilly in 2010, Rick Gildow in 2009, Charles Earick in 2008, Linda Hollanshead in 2007, Steve Austin in 2006, Carmen Scott in 2005, Ewing H. Crawfis in 2004, H. Dean Horn in 2003, Bill Montgomery in 2002, Tom Simon in 2001, Myron VanHorn in 2000, Edward K. Core in 1999, Freda Taylor in 1998, Lee Dorsey in 1997, Dwight Spencer in 1996, Merrill Insley in 1995, and Richard J. Rupp in 1994.
Following the awards presentation, attendees were invited to continue celebrating at The Syndicate, where the evening included a CoverLink after-party.
The Chamber also announced its upcoming Annual Business Meeting, scheduled for Wednesday, December 9, at the Hilliker YMCA.
Additional details are available at logancountyohio.com.
The Logan County Chamber’s leadership includes Executive Board Chair Elizabeth Long, Vice Chair Christy Myers, Treasurer John T. Belser, Secretary Kay Spath, and Past Chair Rob Underwood.
The Board of Directors also includes Dawn Beelman of PCPI Plastics, Cindee Boyd of the Village of West Liberty, Layne Coleman of Honda Development and Manufacturing of America – East Liberty Plant, Suzanne Gillespie of Shoreline Construction and Excavating, Chad Hoffman of Richwood Bank, Kelly Hoffman of Farmers National Bank, Jeremy LeVan of LeVan’s Excavating, Inc., Brenda Moots of The Depot and Indian Lake Outfitters, Daniel O’Kane of Bellefontaine Grace Church, Dr. Jason Robson of Robson Family Dentistry, Rebekah Smith of Indian Lake Brewing Company, Ryan Smith of Logan County Electric Cooperative, Nicolas Sparrow of Clark State College, Ann Stanley of Royce Industries, Keyne Strickland of Small Nation, Kaileigh Vermillion of Smith, Smith, Montgomery and Chamberlain, Jeremy Williams of BlueDesk IT, and Abby Wolf of Citizens Federal Savings and Loan.
